Precision Automotive was busy as usual on Saturday. Owner Chris Kohl with a small flashlight in hand was in the shop peering at the undersides of cars perched on hydra-lifts. His wife Shelley was inside the office attending to that part of the business.

Sitting at the kitchen table interviewing the retired master sergeant, it was clear that the former tank platoon leader was someone who had given his all in his devotion to country - serving in both Korea and Vietnam.

Manteca is again avoiding paying triple overtime to police officers as well as shaving thousands off the cost of the aerial fireworks by shifting the community's Independence Day celebration to July 3.